And Then Came A Lion (Lions and Lambs Book 1) Read Online Free Page A

relaxed. “You’re right. I’m sure they have.” She waved him away. “Go. I’ll finish.”
    He nodded, hesitated, and then left the room. Seconds later, she heard the TV.
    After finishing the dishes, she made coffee, and took two mugs into the den. She set one cup next to Mark and settled in her chair with the other. The TV program held no interest for her and she picked up her book, but images of predators and kids swirled around and around in her mind. Life was so unfair.
    A long time ago, her dad had told her that nothing was fair in this broken world. He was so right.
    ***
    Susannah sank down into one of the chairs in Rachel’s ultra-modern kitchen. It was the opposite of her older Victorian, but Rachel made the room warm and inviting. The coffee pot was always on, as well as the constant aroma of fresh baked cookies or bread. Susannah couldn’t figure out how Rachel managed it all between work and the kids. She had to be one of those supermoms everyone touted.
    Billy raced through the kitchen and out the patio door. Molly tore after him, screaming loud enough to break all of Rachel’s crystal.
    Rachel sighed. “It never ends.”
    Susannah saw the twinkle in her eyes. Even through the challenges, Rachel loved it. Motherhood had to be the most beautiful calling in the world.
    “You and Mark still discussing a family? Are you sure you want to do this?” She gestured to the argument heating up out on the patio.
    “Yes. I want children more than anything. I wanted kids the moment we said our vows, but he wasn’t ready. Says he still isn’t ready. I wonder if he will ever be ready. We can’t wait too much longer. My biological clock is ticking.”
    “He might swing around now that his job is doing so well. Tight finances are a deterrent to adding any more expenses. And, children are expensive.”
    “I don’t think money has ever been the issue. I don’t think he wants the responsibility.”
    “Ah.”
    Susannah shrugged. “But, I love him, so I guess I’ll do what Mom suggests.”
    “And what’s that?”
    “Pray and be patient.”
    Rachel nodded. “Yeah. Look at what we’ll do for love.”
    Susannah laughed and then said. “That sounds like a soap opera.”
    “Well, isn’t life just one long, unending soap opera?”
    “For some. Recently mine has heated up to a horror movie.”
    “Still can’t shake the dream?”
    Susannah shook her head.
    Rachel took a sip of her coffee and set the mug down. “That might go away once the man is arrested.”
    “Maybe. I sure hope so.”
    Susannah stood and carried her cup to the sink. “Well, I’d better head back home. Chores await.” She shook her head. “Why do we cram so much into the weekend?”
    Rachel laughed. “Silly isn’t it? The world won’t come to an end if we don’t finish our to-do lists, but we think it will.”
    “True, but we will probably still try. Talk to you later, Rachel.” Susannah waved and stepped out onto the porch.
    Beautiful morning for walk, not too warm, birds singing, and not too much to worry about at the moment. What was that scripture? Today’s troubles are enough, so don’t go borrowing tomorrow’s. Sounded like a very good plan.
    She crossed the yard to the trail. Both Rachel and Susannah were ecstatic when Frank agreed to put in an offer on the newer home so close to Mark and Susannah. The two childhood friends could once again be within only a few minutes’ walk of each other. Granted it was along a trail skirting the undeveloped area the city named Lincoln Park, which wasn’t really a park, but a nature reserve in the middle of several subdivisions.
    Susannah paused before entering the timber. This part always made her nervous, even in the daytime. Anything could be lurking in the thick brush crowding the path and she wouldn’t know it was there until it reached out and grabbed her. Instead of a morning stroll, she opted for a power walk.
    ***
    Brian sat on the lumpy bed and stared at the wall. If he had